Edinburgh’s data driven innovation (DDI) programme – a government-supported initiative to drive regional growth in new high growth industries – has scooped a top economic development award.
Led by the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, the programme unites six local authorities within the £1.3 billion Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal and aims to support data-driven economic renewal.
The programme won the Collaborative Initiative of the Year award at the prestigious Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards 2025, hosted at Manchester’s Lowry hotel last night.
The award recognises outstanding cross-sector economic development collaboration between two or more partners drawn from local authorities, private sector, third sector, business and academia.
Edinburgh’s submission outlined how the £700 million DDI programme has helped to deliver new infrastructure – including six new research hubs – as well as training thousands of skilled graduates, and supporting high-growth ventures.
iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the awards honouring achievements across the public and private sectors, said: “Our judges said the Data-Driven Innovation Programme exemplifies the power of strategic collaboration to drive inclusive economic growth.
“With over £200 million in investment, support for over 600 companies, and a robust skills pipeline, the initiative demonstrates both measurable impact and long-term sustainability. They reported the seamless integration of public, academic, and industry partners sets a new benchmark for regional innovation.”
Professor Kim Graham, Provost of the University of Edinburgh and senior responsible officer for the Data Driven Innovation Programme, said: “This award is fantastic recognition of the impact of the DDI programme. The partnership between the universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt is a shining example of how place-based investment in innovation and skills can have a transformative effect on economic growth, jobs and productivity, benefiting people in the region and beyond.”
